Sourdough Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, cinnamon-dusted classics with a gentle tang and chewy centre — a cozy, comforting treat made even better with sourdough.
At a Glance
Loaf Style: Drop cookies
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Total Time: ~12–24 hours (includes optional chill)
Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Yield: 18–20 cookies
Hydration: N/A
Bake Temp: 350°F / 175°C
Baking Vessel: Standard sheet trays
Ingredients
Dough
100g sourdough starter (active or discard)
115g unsalted butter, softened
100g granulated sugar
80g brown sugar
1 large egg
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp cream of tartar (optional, for classic snickerdoodle tang)
200g all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Cream Butter and Sugar
1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla, and sourdough starter. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients
3. Sprinkle salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar over the mixture.
4. Add flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture and flavor.
Preheat and Roll
6. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line two baking trays with parchment.
7. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for coating.
8. Scoop dough into 1.5–2 tbsp portions, roll into balls, then roll generously in cinnamon sugar.
9. Place on trays spaced about 2” apart.
Bake
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden on the edges — centres should still look soft.
11. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Visual Cues
Cookies should have crackled, cinnamon-sugar tops with slightly soft centres and chewy edges.
When broken open, the interior will appear soft and buttery, not cakey.
Why This Works
Sourdough discard adds subtle tang and enhances chew, perfectly complementing the warmth of cinnamon and sugar. With a chill time to boost flavour and texture, these cookies deliver cozy familiarity with an elevated twist.
